ABU DHABI, 13th March, 2023 (WAM) — Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim of covering collaboration in the fields of environmental research needs, research studies, knowledge exchange and development across a wide range of environment-relevant disciplines.
The agreement comes in light of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi’s Go Green 2023 initiative that aims to encourage students, faculty, and staff to participate in creating a more sustainable future, and focuses on raising awareness of climate change issues, developing initiatives to address environmental challenges, and promoting sustainable practices.
The MoU was signed by Professor Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of EAD, during a signing ceremony at EAD’s headquarters.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will develop environmental research to systematically identify and fill scientific knowledge gaps in the understanding of Abu Dhabi Emirate's environmental system and its interactions with social and economic systems. Additionally, the two organisations will collaborate on research studies, knowledge exchange, and visits to research facilities and sites of scientific interest.
The agreement will enable the establishment of joint research projects, the sharing of resources and the development of innovative solutions to tackle the region’s environmental challenges. Moreover, it will provide the opportunity for the university to contribute to the development of evidence-based policymaking and initiatives that promote sustainability and environmental conservation in Abu Dhabi.
Professor Silvia Serrano, Vice-Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, said, “This MoU with EAD marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the Go Green 2023 initiative, which strives to safeguard the environment, address climate change challenges and foster sustainability. We strongly believe that this partnership will bolster our research capabilities and encourage collaborative projects, having a positive and far-reaching effect on the region as a whole. We are pleased to be collaborating with EAD and are extremely excited about the potential for developing our research and creating a positive impact."
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environment Information, Science Outreach Management Sector, at EAD, added, “It is a great opportunity to sign this MoU with the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi which is one of the most prestigious universities internationally that has a worldwide reputation for research excellence. I am sure that there will be mutual exchange of experience and scientific knowledge that will help raise the bar on research done on the environment in Abu Dhabi. With a faculty of experts from the Sorbonne and our team of experts we will develop credible studies that will be of benefit to the local, regional and global community.”